I actually got some of the dappled willow this weekend. I could probably still send a couple fo filbert clippings if you want them. I'm not sure how hard it is to root, but the consensus seems to be that it's not easy. Might be easier to graft it, if you have any rootstock. Thanks!

They are both Japanese dappled/variegated willows but apparently if you are lucky, then they are both the 'Flamingo' variety as opposed to 'Hakuro Hishiki'. I never heard of the 'Flamingo' when I bought mine in 2004 and I don't honestly think it was available at that time. Frankly, I've had no problems with my two 'Hakuro Hishiki'. Salix integra "Flamingo" USPP 17,490 Foliage: Spectacular deep pink foliage in Spring and this cultivar retains a strong pink color throughout the growing season. Produces an enormous range of contrasting colors in the garden. A much improved sport of Salix integra 'Hakuro Hishiki'. Leaf scorch is not a problem as both branches and foliage are much stronger than those of Hakuro Nishiki.

I agree with Ken, definitely willows are hard to kill...and given what you are describing you should probably prune it as often as needed to make it work in the space. If it kills it, so be it because it sounds like the alternative is to rip it out (also an option of course, moving it in early Spring to a location where it works).

I have two on standard. I am zone 5. I prune them almost every other month during the growing season but do not prune after September-ish so that new growth isn't destroyed by winter chills. The FIRST TIME, new growth appears in spring it is very white and splotchy with green; very beautiful. After that it takes a while for new growth to turn white and some does not. I will say that they are prone to japanese beetles and aphids on the new growth, so keep an eye out. These are easy tackled with pinching and washing lightly. Also, I have one that receives shade in the winter, but almost full sun in the summer and it has no issues coming out of dormancy in spring; it thrives! However, I have one that receives full sun, all year, and I lost it its second year and had it replaced (for free yay!) but I think it was dessicated from sun and breezes in winter. These take hard pruning very well and bounce back only a week or two afterward.